Flowering Dogwood Trees at Ulysses S. Grant NHS

Flowering Dogwood trees are spread throughout the park grounds at Ulysses S. Grant NHS

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Northeast corner of park grounds

Significance:

State tree of Missouri

Amenities

1 listed

Information

Flowering Dogwoods can be seen throughout the state of Missouri and several of them are planted here at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. Dogwoods are not overly large trees. They rarely exceed 40 feet and are sometimes closer to a shrub in size. However, the uniqueness of Dogwoods comes from the flowers that grow on the tree. Most have either white or pink flowers that begin blooming in the spring.

In 1957, the state of Missouri designated the Flowering Dogwood as the official state tree for this very reason. The legislation stated that the tree was to be encouraged in its “cultivation on account of the beauty of its flower and foliage. Many dogwoods also grow bright red fruits on a seasonal basis. Most of the Flowering Dogwood trees at the park grow pink flowers.

The scientific name for Flowering Dogwoods is Cornus florida L.